When Rick Hatchett (Walton Goggins) first appears in Season 3 of “The White Lotus,” his underlying anxiety is immediately evident. As the boat nears the shore, Rick’s visible discomfort grows. It is evident and sharply contrasts with the relaxed demeanor of his girlfriend, Chelsea (Aimee Lou Wood). Chelsea gently urges Rick to relax. She wants him to take in the scenery. Rick’s disregard for the resort’s natural beauty is remarkable. His disdain for the amenities is also notable. His reserved demeanor begs the question, “What is on Rick’s mind so much?” The tension grows as the other guests’ facades begin to crack.
The first clue to Rick’s behavior comes when he expresses disappointment. He is upset upon learning that the hotel owner’s husband, Jim Hollinger, is absent from the resort. Sritala (Lek Patravadi), the owner, becomes a focal point during her brief stay. This is due to her status as a local celebrity. She also promotes the hotel’s wellness program.
Rick’s vigilance around Sritala hints at an ulterior motive. This is revealed in Episode 3. He approaches her under the guise of being a producer interested in a collaboration. His true intentions remain unclear, but the stage is set for a confrontation.
The truth emerges when Chelsea confronts Rick about his impromptu trip to Bangkok in “Hide or Seek.” From what we’ve learned of Rick’s past, it becomes evident. This trip is part of a revenge plan rooted in grief. Let’s delve deeper into Rick’s motivations for visiting the White Lotus in Thailand.
Rick’s Sense of Self Hinges on His Thirst for Revenge in “The White Lotus”
During a wellness session with Amrita (Shalini Peiris), Rick reveals a profound truth. After his father’s presumed murder, he has always felt like an outsider. His mother’s death added to this feeling. “Nothing comes out of nowhere,” he says, as Amrita encourages him to explore the roots of his pain. She reassures him that he can break free from the “karmic cycle” and find hope. However, Rick’s grief and anger resurface when Chelsea confronts him during Gary/Greg’s (Jon Gries) odd yacht party.
Rick is convinced that Hollinger, Sritala’s husband, killed his father. Rick believes that his father was punished for standing up for what was right. His trip to Thailand was driven by the assumption that Hollinger would be at the resort.
However, when he learns the man is in Bangkok, Rick decides to confront him. Chelsea, ever supportive, empathizes with Rick but worries about the consequences of his actions. Rick’s quest for revenge stems from his mother’s dying words, a burden he has carried since childhood.
This unresolved grief has shaped Rick’s outlook on life, leaving him feeling empty and broken. It also explains his complex relationship with Chelsea. He loves her but struggles to fully connect with her. His preoccupation with avenging his father’s death is the cause. Will Rick succeed in his mission, or will it lead to unforeseen consequences? Only future episodes of “The White Lotus” will reveal the answers.
New episodes of “The White Lotus” Season 3 air every Sunday on HBO.
